Middle English Dictionary Entry
spatule n.
Entry Info
| Forms | spatule n. Also spatil(e. |
| Etymology | L spatula; also cp. OF espatule &spatule. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. spature n.
a.
Cook. An implement for stirring, a spatula; surg. an instrument used to apply ointments or to clean wounds; also, an instrument for cutting or lancing [quot. ?c1425]; (b) the shoulder bone of an animal.
Associated quotations
a
- c1425 Arderne Fistula (Sln 6)40/7 : Take þe raw ȝolk of an ey and medle it wele wiþ þe poudre of bole armenic..and anoynt it aboue þe sore wiþ a penne or feþer or wiþ a spatule.
- ?c1425 Chauliac(2) (Paris angl.25)439/19 : Þat no man goo to þe wirchynge..but ȝif..hym moste haue hokes and nedeles and poyntelles and scheres and spatules [*Ch.(1): spaturez; L spatulas] and launcetes.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)467 : Spatyl, instrument to clense wythe soorys: Pessaria.
- a1500 Hrl.2378 Recipes in EETSSS 8151.12/6,10 : Ster þi suger wyth a spatyle of tree & whan it begynneth to boyle take..vp..þe suger betwene þi fyngers & þi þombe & whan it begyneth..to streme..stere it..wyth þi spatyll.
b
- a1475(a1447) Bokenham MAngl.(Hrl 4011)31/36 : The Flemmyngis..yn þe ryghte spatulys, or shuldrys, of a sheepe..made bare of fflesshe..kune be-holdyn..bothe thyngis paste, presente, & þo þat been to come.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- a1500 Trin-C.R.14.45 Recipes (Trin-C R.14.45) 127/18 : Take þe a spatil of yren with a hefte of tree þat þou may holde hit by, and loke þat þi spaten be schapen in maner of a sclise, brode and sumdele scharpe byforne.
Note: Additional quot., sense (a).
Supplemental Materials (draft)
Note: Med., etc., see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. spatule.